Java OceanAtlas (JOA) is a Java application for Windows and MacOS which provides an ad hoc (rather than pre-set) graphic exploration environment optimized to examine and plot oceanographic profile data. JOA works with any pressure- or depth-indexed data. Plots include property-property plots, maps, offset profiles (waterfall), contoured section plots, and plots of calculated values, using color-by-property-value as a plotted variable to aid interpretation. There is also a comprehensive data display window and extensive support for data import, export, editing, filtering and quality control functions. All Java OceanAtlas plots and the data window are linked and may be ‘browsed’ jointly by sample and/or station. JOA user interfaces are similar to those used in commercial applications. Many different types of calculations can be performed.
These versions of JOA have been extensively tested, but there may be problems. If reporting a problem, please check and report the specific version and release date for your copy, which you can find via 'About Java OceanAtlas' under the Java OceanAtlas menu.
Note : The 'pro' versions of JOA 5.5 are capable of handling the largest global WOA data files but require at least 16 GB of installed RAM.
Security Note : Log4j is not an issue for JOA. JOA does not include the Log4j library/jar file in its code.
Tested on MacOS Monterey (12 beta), Big Sur (11), Catalina (10.15), Mojave (10.14) and High Sierra (10.13). It may work on earlier versions of Mac OS X. This version of JOA contains an embedded Java environment and does not require a separate Java download. Note: Exact installation instructions must be followed for Mac OS 10.15 and above.
JOA 5.5 was tested on Windows 10 (1903). The installer .msi file should run on basically every recent-ish Windows OS, both 32 and 64-bit versions: Vista, Server, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10. Java 8 (the embedded JRE) is compatible with all of those except Vista and some old versions of Server. JOA has not been tested on Windows 11. Please let us know your experience with JOA and Windows 11.
(126.8 MB)
Pro JOA 5.5.1(127.6 MB)
(116.8 MB)
Pro JOA 5.5(114.8 MB)
(61.4 MB)
Pro JOA 5.5(61.4 MB)
JOA 5.3 is tested and stable, but there are known problems, including issues with netCDF files and the need to make a plot before browsing.
Tested for Mac OS X 10.11 or earlier. It may work on earlier versions of Mac OS X. This version of JOA contains an embedded Java environment and does not require a separate Java download.
Tested for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. It has not been tested under Windows 10 or XP. This version of JOA contains an embedded Java environment and does not require a separate Java download.
This tutorial provides an introduction of the basic use of Java OceanAtlas to explore oceanographic data. It is organized from the most basic features to intermediate ones.
The User Guide is an attempt to document Java OceanAtlas features in an indexed and consistent manner, a goal which in some ways is nearly out of reach.
Enable built-in JOA features, such as additional plot and calculation types. Also use to temporarily disable features.